Jammu, Oct 29: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has rejected the BJP’s allegations that Jammu has been inadequately represented in the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet, questioning the opposition party’s position on the recent ministerial reshuffle.
Choudhary questioned the BJP’s criticism of the decision to drop Independent MLA Satish Sharma from the council of ministers. He claimed that BJP leaders had previously criticised both him and Sharma, and accused the party of changing its position over the reshuffle.
Expressing disappointment over Sharma’s removal, Choudhary thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah for retaining him in the cabinet. He maintained that his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister ensured Jammu’s representation in the government.
Responding to BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi’s remark describing the National Conference as a “Muslim Conference”, Choudhary questioned the BJP’s record on the representation of Muslim leaders in governments led by the party. He asked the BJP to explain the opportunities given to Muslim leaders in senior ministerial positions under its administrations.
Choudhary also defended his community identity, stating that his Jat background did not diminish his association with the Dogra community. He objected to remarks that he said had hurt the sentiments of Jat people and questioned why his community background had become a subject of political controversy.
Referring to the region’s history, he said members of the Jat community had served during Maharaja Hari Singh’s rule. He argued that his community background should not be used to question his identity as a Dogra.
The Deputy Chief Minister also challenged the BJP to substantiate its corruption allegations against him, urging the party to examine the financial interests and businesses of its own leaders before accusing others.
He further criticised the BJP over its response to the fire at Shiv Market in Jammu, where several shops were damaged. Choudhary said the losses suffered by the affected traders also required attention.
The political exchange follows the recent expansion of the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet, during which four ministers from Kashmir were inducted. The reshuffle has sparked renewed debate over regional representation in the Union Territory’s government.
Following the changes, seven of the nine cabinet members are from Kashmir, while Surinder Choudhary and Javaid Rana are the two ministers representing Jammu. Satish Sharma, an Independent MLA from Chhamb, was dropped from the council of ministers during the reshuffle.
The BJP has raised concerns over the regional balance in the expanded cabinet, while the composition of the government has become a subject of political debate following the latest changes.
